Heart Failure Care
Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure (CHF), occurs when the heart can no longer pump enough blood to meet the body's needs for blood and oxygen. Different from a heart attack, heart failure is a chronic, long-term condition that prevents the heart from functioning effectively.
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has recognized Bravera Health Seven Rivers for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with heart failure. Bravera Health Seven Rivers was awarded Heart Failure Accreditation in August based on rigorous onsite review of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients with heart failure through pre-hospital care, early stabilization, acute care, transitional care, clinical quality measures and more.
Hospitals that employ an evidence-based, protocol-driven and systematic approach to managing heart failure have been able to reduce time to treatment, and are able to identify and predict high-risk patients while also reducing length-of-stay and hospital readmissions.
Hospitals receiving Heart Failure Accreditation from the ACC must take part in a multi-faceted clinical process that involves: completing a gap analysis; examining variances of care and developing an action plan; a rigorous onsite review; and monitoring for sustained success. Improved methods and strategies of caring for patients include streamlining processes, implementing of guidelines and standards, and adopting best practices in the precise care of heart failure patients. Facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed an array of stringent criteria and have organized a team of doctors, nurses, clinicians and other administrative staff that earnestly support the efforts leading to better patient education, improved patient outcomes and more effective and efficient disease control.
Doctors and nurses at Bravera Health who specialize in heart failure provide a management program that offers:
- Medical management - Medications are used to lower blood pressure, eliminate excess water, prevent clotting, slow heart rate or alter hormones that affect the heart. Our cardiologists can develop a program that combines medication and lifestyle changes to effectively manage heart failure.
- Risk-factor management - Lifestyle changes such as losing weight and eating more healthfully, controlling blood pressure, abstaining from alcohol and smoking, and getting enough rest can help improve heart health and prevent further damage.
- Minimally invasive cardiac catheterization techniques - Outpatient procedures such as angioplasty and stent placement are used to open blocked arteries.
- Surgery - Experienced cardiac surgeons utilize advanced technology to deliver heart failure treatment, including implantable devices such as pacemakers. Surgeons use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible.